This Christmas, San Antonio Kids Get To 'Swim With The Elves'

Swim With The Elves is a holiday event for San Antonio kids that is like no other.

"We’re inviting kids to come out and join us. It’s on Saturday, December 14, from noon to 2 p.m." said Hank Salinas, the assistant parks and recreation manger. "Children 12 and under are invited but 10 and under must be accompanied by adults."

If you’re wondering whether or not you can work in another costly Christmas event, good news from Hank.

"It is a free event, and we’d like the families to come out, the parents to come out and enjoy themselves too," Salinas said.

The City of San Antonio Natatorium is an enclosed, heated city-operated pool at 1430 West Cesar Chavez. As to what parents can expect from a Swim With the Elves event:

"We’re going to have some elves in the pool, we’re going to have some elves out and around the pool [and] Santa Claus is going be there," Salinas said.

I had to ask if Santa was going to be in his regular red outfit, and not a Speedo. Hank confirmed the red suit.

He also said there's actually a slightly serious angle to a holiday event—a holiday that’s otherwise largely filled with indulgent foods and sedentary behaviors.

"Well, we want to teach them the importance of swimming, so that’s why want to get them used to the idea of being around the water," Salinas said. "We’re also going to be giving away some scholarship swim lessons. I think it’s important to all kids to learn how to swim. I think it’s important for them to not be scared of the water."

The event includes games, prizes and even a winter wonderland wading pool.